You Are My Sunshine

What a beautiful day to be indoors... man oh man, how I have missed the beautiful sunshine and warmth of its glow shining down on me.  Actually, I missed it today too as James and I were indoors all day getting prepared for our Adoption Yardsale.  Even though we were indoors and we worked hard, it was a labor of love.

I couldn't help but to look around at all the "goodies" and feel the warmth of God's love.  So many friends, family and strangers have given us things to sell.  For us to keep the money we receive to use towards our adoption fees.  They don't get a receipt to write off on their taxes....it is a gift.  The VERY BEST GIFT!

So believe me when I say, today was truly the best day ever of not getting to go outside and bask in the sunshine... I was beaming from the Son's love that has been graciously poured out all over us.

Do me a favor.  TELL YOUR FRIENDS.TELL YOUR FAMILY.TELL YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE. TELL EVERYONE YOU SEE  about our upcoming Adoption INDOORS Yardsale:

WHEN:  Friday Feb. 4th & Saturday Feb. 5th  & Friday Feb. 11th & Saturday Feb. 12th
Time:  7:00 am - 4:00pm
Where:  6610 New Nashville Hwy., Smryna  
(off M'bor Rd. between  Bell Furniture & Hooptown.  In the Parker Square Complex, behind Jumper's Playhouse)
Come Rain or Shine!

Also, we are still taking donations if you have some stuff you'd like to get rid of.  Every little bit helps!  Here are a few pics to show off some of the great gifts... HOPE I SEE YOU THERE ;o)

Great Girls. A Good Life.

I have been sitting here tonight reading a book Emily brought home from school for us.  It is titled "Cultures of the World~Ethiopia".  How cool is it that my 12 year old daughter is wanting to learn more about her little brother.   She is so excited to be a big sister... that is 1 title we never thought she would claim. 

The girls are pretty excited about us adopting and are the first to answer anyones questions.  They are the ones that helped James and myself to make up our minds.  They never doubted we should bring a little one into our family and they have been more than willing to make sacrifices to help us come up with the funds.

This past Christmas, I couldn't even get them to give me a list... up until the week of Christmas I still hadn't bought any presents, they were being so thoughtful and selfless.  They helped me make an ornament for our tree that represented their brother.  They gave me a sweet little picture frame with the shape of Africa with a heart over Ethiopia in it ~ love it!  All 3 of my girls will be wonderful sisters to their little brother....I can't wait to see each of them hold him in their arms. 

Caitlin talked with a teacher at her school and they are allowing  her & Lauren to sit up a table to sell T-shirts and stuff during lunches.  Isn't that exciting!  She has lined up friends who are willing to work the table all 3 hours.  I love it!  The girls have sold necklaces and T's to their teachers and friends.   They are doing their part and we didn't even have to ask.... Did I say "I love it!"

We will be having our Adoption Yard sale on 2 weekends.  Fri 4 & Sat. 5 / Fri. 11 & Sat. 12  starting at 7:00 - 4:00... It is INDOORS  and we have had 15 families contribute to our cause (many, many thanks!).   The address is 6610 New Nashville Highway in the Parker Square Complex.  This is off Murfreesboro Road, between Bell Furniture & Hooptown (behind Jumper's Playhouse).

PLEASE COME!  PLEASE tell everyone!  PLEASE check those closets...we could always use more stuff..
every penny sold will go towards our adoption...that is such a blessing!  We have some cool items, beds, futons, desks, lots of house hold decor, clothes, playstation, guitar hero & all the instruments, a performing stage for little ones,barbies never opened, skates, amp & pink electric guitar...and lots of stuff I haven't even looked at.  So excited!  Also, have some friends baking stuff, yummy!

It's a Process!  We knew our journey would have delays, it is just part of the adoption process.  Well, ours came pretty early on.  Our social worker suggested we put our home study "on hold" til Caitlin turns 18 on Feb. 22nd.   If we had submitted last week, it more than likely would sit on a desk and by the time it got to the right location, would no longer be correct.

So the day Caitlin turns 18, we will submit the appropriate paperwork for having another adult under our roof.  Basically, we will be requesting her criminal history.... we got ours in 2 days so we will move forward pretty quickly.  Was bummed at first, it added six weeks to the process.  Then I realized it is 6 weeks to step back and focus on Caitlin Elizabeth Griffith, my firstborn, my sweet precious baby who has grown up to be a caring, compassionate, giving, gorgeous young woman.... Where has the time gone?  She will always have our hearts, she will always be our princess.  She will always be the one we learned from and we admit we made several mistakes along the way... thank you Caitlin for not holding it against us and for always being willing to grow with us. 

Caitlin Elizabeth Griffith ~ you are beautiful inside & out~

So here we are...preparing a yard sale, selling T-shirts & necklaces and celebrating our Caitlin... who will forever be our baby girl.  Life is Good!

Crazy is the new Beautiful

I want to say a big fat THANK YOU to all of our friends & family that came out to our Adoption Kickoff event on Monday night.  We were thrilled at the turn out, the kind words, the warm hugs, the sweet notes of encouragement and the gear that was purchased to help us raise funds. 

For those of you who are wondering, that night was the official kickoff but we will be selling the gear for as long as it takes. So if you didn't make it out, or if you've been seeing the hip and stylish T's around town; it's not too late!  Just give us a shout and we will get 'er done.

Over the last few weeks, I have been asked several times about adoption.  Domestic vs. international, black vs. white, fundraising vs. do it yourself.   I believe all questions are good questions, if it gets people talking about helping others.  I can't speak for all and wouldn't dare try.  I can only speak for myself and for what our family holds as truth.

I was adopted! Both physically and spiritually.  My daddy, Dale, choose to raise my sister and myself as his daughters and my heavenly Father adopted me into His family, cleansed my soul and has taken me into His forever home.  I was sought after, found, and forever claimed by both of my daddies.

I am simple.  Remember the songs we sung in Sunday School,  that will always be etched into your memory, I do.  Although they were just sweet words, when I was young, as an adult I see them as truth. 

 "Jesus loves all the little children of the world, yellow, red, black & white  they're  precious in His sight"
   
     "He's got everybody here in His hands, He's got everybody there in His hands, He's got everybody      
                  everywhere in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands"

I see the whole world as Jesus', not just America.  I love America, I am proud of my husband who served this country for 14 years.  This is not an "American" issue for us.  This is about being obedient to the call we have felt placed on our lives and in our hearts. 

For me, I have traveled to Africa and seen first hand the poverty, devastation, starvation lack of clean water and BASIC medical care.   I could not turn my eyes as if I weren't aware.  Through my stories and pictures, James & the girls became more aware.  Awareness takes Action on our part!  And yes, I know that all these horrific situations exist in America too; it breaks my heart!  There is no easy answer.  I do see great organizations, and government assistance in line to help assist the children of America.  It is without fault, no way! PRAISE GOD we don't hear about children dying from lack of clean water & basic food, for days on end.

Now, any child going without food or love for 1 day, 1 hour, 1 minute or even 1 second is too long.  and I have to ask you..."WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT?"  search your heart, when  you hear God calling you to take action, to be his hands and feet,  I can give you the names of many wonderful ministries who would love to have your support locally, nationally and internationally.  Not everyone is called to adopt but everyone is called to do something.

Cost.  Let's face it Adoption isn't cheap! and we aren't rich. We live like most Americans, we are only one disaster away from landing on difficult times.  We know God will provide.  Whether that is through extra income coming our way, cutting out all unnecessary bills and expenses, asking friends for stuff for a yard sale or selling T-shirts and necklaces.... WHATEVER IT TAKES!  as I have said before I didn't feel so strongly at first; I felt we'd do this on our own.

Well, God doesn't call us to do life on our own and the longer it takes us to come up with the financing the longer our little one sits in orphanage... the longer he suffers.   I think I can swallow my pride and hold out my hand.  Ge sh, over the years we've all bought something at someones function to help them out (Mary Kay, Tupperware, girl scouts...) there is no difference here, except instead of me earning free product, I will inherit a son.  God has a plan, I know He is using our journey to sow some seeds ~ I don't know how many times in the past few weeks I have heard "we had consider"  we have always thought" "tell me more about adoption".

So you better believe it!  I will fund raise to get my little one here in my arms... and IF it brings another little one to someone else's arms because God used the Griffith family.... BRING IT ON!

Hope this shed a little light on where we are.  Please feel free to ask me questions or voice your opinion, we are okay with it.... at the end of the day we are living our lives to Glorify our God and we know that makes us Crazy to some... we can handle it ;o)

OOOHHH HAPPY DAY(s)

4 snow days in a row is every kids dream.  Wearing their pj's backwards, flushing ice down the toilet and sleeping with a spoon under their pillows...and you can't forget the all too important snow dance.   Well, every kid in Tennessee must be onto the rituals because this snow has been hanging around for days...

Our yard is still fluffy white. Our snowgirl is still alive! Our schools are still closed.  Laundry is overflowing. Scarves, hats and gloves are never put away. The vanilla extract (that last forever) is empty due to snow cream the girls made.  Sleepovers. Sleep aways. Sleeping in. Sledding. Snowballs. SWEET!  So here's to fingers being crossed for no school on Friday; Monday is already a scheduled day off ... every kid in town is full of hope.

Hope... Is a beautiful thing!   It is:

~Expectation, something yearned for and anticipated eagerly
~Something for which one waits, to wait for, to look hopefully
~Reliance on God’s blessing and provision; the expectation of future good
~Anticipation of a favorable outcome under God’s guidance
~Trustful expectation, particularly with reference to the fulfillment of God’s promises


Caitlin turns 18, going to her first prom, graduation...  Lauren learning to drive...  Emily becoming a teenager...James turning 40.... my 20th class reunion...and all of us meeting our little man.

So while we wait and dream, we will pray and seek.  While we prepare, we will pray. While we celebrate milestones in our lives, we fall deeper in love with our son who is miles away.   We will eat cake, get dolled up & don a cap & gown, swerve, bit nails, get emotional, eat more cake, reminisce, and hold our son ~

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.   Romans 15:13





A Sincere Request

One of the Ugandan ladies who will make an income

Hi friends!  I am so giddy right now; I could cry tears of joy, dance a little jig &  fall to my knees & give thanks.  I sent out a request 1 week ago.... and at this time are 1/2 way to our goal.  Thank you Jesus!

I am looking for 100 people to commit to selling 10 Ugandan magazine necklaces for our adoption.   I am asking you to purchase one for $25- and then get 9 other people to buy one as well.  I know it's easy to do, I have literally sold them of my neck many times, just because someone was admiring it.   They sell themselves!

*$25- 
*One of  a kind
*sell provides a lady in Uganda an income, it feeds a child for a week and it helps to bring my son home
TRIPLE BLESSING!!!

Over the years most of us have attended a party and made a purchase to help our friend get free make up, plastic containers, candles etc... SO I really believe helping a friend to ADOPT HER SON is the "better than best" reason EVER... and you don't have to clean your home & put out a spread, lol.

Just collect the money up front... and I will give your the necklace(s).  EVEN better have them come to our Adoption kick off night on Jan. 17th @ Community Christian Day School and I can hand it to them personally, hug their neck and say Thank you! 

Hope you will consider it!  the necklaces are beautiful and so are the women who make them.  I met them in June on my trip to Uganda, I attended their weekly bible study and fellowship.  I was able to see a small glimpse into the life of the Karamonjong tribe~ it changed my life, just as the purchases of these necklaces have/will change their lives.

Believing in 50 more!

Beth




Katie w/ Amazima purchasing the necklaces

















here is one way to wear it





A hearfelt "Joy"rney

Yesterday was Christmas in Ethiopia, known as Ganna.  I couldn't help but to think of the traditions in Africa and how the day's celebration takes place.... and if our son celebrated.  It's hard as a mom or just as a human being,  I dont' know the details yet, but take great comfort in knowing my Saviour does.  That he created our son and loves him more than we ever could.

We are in the process of having our home study approved and getting our paperwork in order to submit our dossier.  All of this takes time.  I am thankful I can take peace knowing my Heavenly Father knows the EXACT moment our child will be held in our arms; make no mistake he is held deep within our hearts.

We have had to wait a few times on important paperwork, had to reschedule appointments due to oversights, and know it's just the first of many set backs.   I start to get emotional, I need everything to line up and hurry up... and then I remember (or James reminds me) God is in complete control and every single piece of paperwork, every step along the way, and every person we encounter has a purpose in this journey. 

We just announced our adoption a week ago midnight and we have seen first hand the movement of God amongst his people.  Too many wonderful things have taken place and lined up perfectly... encouragement from people who struggle with racism & nationality issues ~ wanting to change their views for our son, 45 people willing to step out and invest in our journey by selling necklaces & t-shirts (only need 55 more) to raise the money needed, friends willing to donate their precious items to our yard sale,  a wonderful location for our indoor sale, an amazing ministry teaming up with us for fundraising, 3 local business' partnering with us for fund raising events, countless prayers and well wishes, young kids generously giving us $65.00 from their change pitcher and another $50.00 from voluntarily cleaning their rooms/playroom.      I could keep going..... thank you friends and thank you Jesus!

In 1 week's time, I have had several individuals mention to me they have considered adoption or one day hope to adopt... I believe timing is of no mistake and God will use our son to capture another's heart. We  have fallen in love with many children who at one time were an orphan and with their forever families... it changed me, it has changed our family.

       "...once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."     Proverbs 24:12

 

Thank you for acting on our behalf.  I can't wait to introduce our little man to you.  For you to look into his eyes knowing you played  a role in his journey to us.  We appreciate the prayers, the stuff, the purchases, donations, well wishes, etc... Please keep them coming & share this site with your friends and family.

 

Remember to mark your calendars... Monday, January 17th  between 5 & 8 @ Community Christian Day School.... drop in and check out the gear we are selling to raise money, come by and just celebrate with our family the first event in honor of our son...

 

Beth

 

 

Depraved Indifference

Future...Plans...Do you need the bus schedule?

Today has been a wonderful day!  I keep finding myself saying things like "really", "no way", "I can't ask you to do that".  Then I'm reminded this journey is so much bigger than me;  I can't truly trust in God to provide and then not take the gift offered me.

I am so eternally grateful for your willingness to step in and take us on "like family."  I keep getting sweet little comments on my FaceBook, in my e-mail and through phone calls. It makes my heart smile!  Now, I'm partial and I think I have a pretty great family but we are nothing special.  Sorry James, Caitlin, Lauren and Emily~we couldn't keep it secret forever.  So friends,  don't get offended if I don't reply to the "extremely generous claims", they just leave me speechless, lol.

This wasn't a choice for us that took place over night.  Being real here, we ignored it, ran from it, 20 questioned it, and flat out said "no way!"  We had a scenario played out of our future, afterall, we  got married young, had children young, and our reward ~ we'd still be young when our kids were grown~ ooh yeah!  We love our girls, love our lives, love being their parents.  We are blessed with such a crazy beautiful life!

Since the girls are older now, James and I have had the opportunity to have lots of date nights, weekend get aways and a glimpse into what our future would be like.  Let's just say it was looking pretty inticing.  So, when we started feeling that we might be called to add to our family, it threw us for a loop, a panic or maybe just under the bus.

Are you kidding me, my kids are old enough to wake themselves up and put themselves to bed AND  every step required in between.   That is a nice place to be, I can hear the Dave Ramsey "FREEDOM" screaming in my head as I type this.   The funny thing with life, as you get older perspectives change.  Same with your faith, the more you "know" the more you grow, the more your views change and the more you DO.

I guess that's why grandparents always say grandchildren are so great, if they knew it was going to be so wonderful  they would of had them first (or are mine just wierd~ tell me you've heard that).  I think with life experience and maturity we get the bigger picture.   The seasons in life we hope will past quickly, DO, before you know it you're asking where  has the time has gone?  Where is my little girl? 

Maybe I'm just rambling, I am on emotional overload these days.  Let me make myself clear, I adore my girls.  They are the bomb diggity.  I would go back and do it all over again, even the colic, the being woke up and threw up on in the middle of the night, the terrible two's, the emotional roller coasters, the girl drama ~ ooh wait I'm still doing alot of this...  somewhere between going to Africa.living in the moment. planning a future ~ focused onl mine and James' dreams and happiness...

We were hit right in the face, with the fact,  we try daily to live our lives to Glorify God.  That our lives here on earth are temporary, and at the beginning & end of every day it flat out wasn't about us...  
then one day I had a check in my spirit one day during my quite time: 
Beth, you would give your life in a moment to save the life of a child but you won't live your life and do the same?

That is true I believe for most people. I think we'd donate an organ if needed, If a child was in the street we'd risk our lives to get them out of harms way, you get the idea.  So we decided to be obedient to the passion God placed in our hearts and trust in Him to work out the details.... God is so in the details.

So please, don't think our family is any different that yours.  We are just a family who have been blessed to see adoption up close and personal and we liked what we seen.  So for those of you have considered it, thought about it, wondered...don't run from it cause the bus will just keep on comin'  ~might as well get on board.
love, Beth

Asking and Believing

Today has been a wonderful day!  I marked a couple of things off my to do list (yeah me!!!) and added about 7 more.  It's all good!  Just knowing it will all be worth it and I need to be more efficient, so it's a great resolution for a new year.

God keeps showing us that He is in control.  I have 15 people willing to commit to selling 10 necklaces for our adoption.  I am just giddy!  only 85 more peeps to go.   You know, over the years I have sold more than 10 off my neck to strangers.  They are a conversation starter and people love what they represent, so as much as I <3 my necklaces I never have the same one for long.  

I am working on getting a location for an indoor yard/garage sale.  I would love to have the sale in a few weeks, I know folks want to clear out the clutter this time of year and we'd love to reap the benefits of their generosity.  IF you have stuff you have to get off your hands immediately, PLEASE let us know. We can always make room somewhere.

We are teaming up with http://www.147millionorphans.com/ for a fundraiser.   SO EXCITED!!!  We will be having our kick off event MONDAY Jan. 17th.   5-8 @ Community Christian School (off Enon Springs in Smyrna). It's a drop in, when you can, function... no excuses... run in & out.  You can buy our adoption shirts, necklaces or bracelet/cuff.   You can just come by  and hug my neck and see my great kids & hubby ;o) 

A few other things are in the works... so stay tuned...

I have to share a couple of blessings.  I do believe God funds what He favors.  I do believe not everyone is called to adopt but everyone is called to do something.  In my prayers last night I specifically asked God to send me a stranger.  NOT that I don't love my friends, lol,   You know how women are, we have to put stipulations on our requests.   Just to make sure they're paying attention.  

I received an e-mail today from a gentleman, I have never met.  He heard that we are adopting and  his family wanted to bless us with a check.  I still get goosebumps... and can only say "Thank you Heavenly Father!"

My sister received a call from a friend who has a garage full of stuff she want to give us, another friend cleaning out her attic and offered babysitting services, I hear that my hairdresser wants to put a necklace out at her shop and new consignment store, a message from IRAQ from my 2nd cousin who wants to help...

Never under estimate the power of prayer!      John 14: 13-14  Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.   If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Thank you for caring about us!  It means the world to us.
 Beth

1 step at a time = 1 second closer

My mind is in overdrive but my body feels like it's in slowmo.  Do you ever get that way?  I know I have a to do list that literally would take me days to even write out.  It's the start of a new year and I'd love to get my life organized... new filing system, clean junk drawer, actually put my Christmas bins in the attic (not all over the garage floor~actually that would be more James), loose a few pounds,  you get the idea.

However I know none of those things will get accomplished, well the garage will, cause my sweet husband will do it.  My focus will be learning how to create a blog, learning how to ask people for help and accepting it, gathering every piece of vital information on my family so we can adopt our son, re-arranging some bedrooms, doing whatever possible to raise the money required to adopt our son, celebrate my Caitlin's 18th birthday and finding the best ever prom dress EVER!

Now,  I am not complaining - AT ALL.  I am so stinking excited I feel like a kid at Christmas who knows they are fixing to get the best gift ever, like it's the night before the first day of school and every scenario is playing out in my head and the mom who is daydreaming of what their child will look like and what it will feel like to hold him in your arms.

So excited you are on this journey with us.  So thankful God has blessed us with some amazing friends!  We have already had several families willing to donate their possessions for us to sale at our Adoption yard sale.  We are humbled!

We are teaming up with 147 Million Orphans, they are allowing us to sell their Magazine necklaces, cuff bracelets and their brand new Adoption T-shirt (never worn).  So start placing your orders.  We will have an official kick off the evening of Jan. 17th so go ahead and save the date, official announcement to follow.

I am giddy to announce 2 folks have already committed to selling 10 necklaces for our son.  ONLY 98 more friends to go.... that is huge!!! they sell themselves!  they benefit our adoption,provide substainable income for the women in Uganda whom make them and it will help to feed a child.   Can we say triple Blessing!!!

So here is that asking for help part.  If 100 folks will sell 10 (ten) necklaces.... OUR SON'S ADOPTION WILL BE FUNDED..... we have all sold many things over the years that TRULY didn't have the impact this does.   Hoping you will follow us on this journey and literally invest in our son's future.

Again, thanks for the prayers and please leave a comment.  Share our blog with your friends and family; you never know who might want to rescue an orphan, pray for us or want to start their own journey. 

    

Beth

one of a kind Ugandan Magazine Necklace
$25-

A Year of Blessings!

Whow!  I personally have been waiting for this day for a few months, well actually years.   "Adoption" has been a word that has flown freely in the Griffith household for over a year now and the word "Orphan" has been on our hearts for several years. 


James and I have known for quite some time "there is something more" intended for our lives.  We have seeked, prayed and waited.  We don't claim to have all the answers, or even the right questions to ask.


What I can tell you... I know firsthand what it means to have a parent adopt you (I love and miss you daddy~thank you for your unselfish example in my life and giving me the security of always knowing I was chosen to be your daughter).


I have seen with my own eyes the lonely.  I have feed with my own hands the starving.  My arms have held and hugged the homeless.    Look, it's all around.

We are only one family.  We know we won't change the world.  We can however change the world for 1 little man  ~ Our son!  God knows, he had already rocked our hearts and our home.  

So PLEASE follow along with us.  We need the support! emotionally, spiritually and yes I will say it Financially.   We will be selling 147 Gear (t-shirts, necklaces ~pics coming soon), we are taking any one's "clutter" for our Adoption Yardsale and flat out monetary donations (wow, I can't believe I typed that).  

WHATEVER IT TAKES!  because the Griffith gang is saying "Here I Am"